When Is Wimbledon 2021 and What Is the Prize Pool?
Summer is here, and Wimbledon is right around the corner. Winning there is still considered one of the tennis world’s ultimate prizes. Winners of both the men’s and women’s tournaments receive a hefty payout for their efforts. But how much exactly will they receive? Let’s look at Wimbledon 2021, the prize pool, and who tennis fans can expect to win.
Wimbledon 2021 began at the end of June
An early summer tradition, Wimbledon began on June 28 this year. According to Yahoo Sports Australia, some controversy surrounds this year’s event. Tournament organizers had to cancel last year’s event due to the coronavirus, but the classic tennis tournament returned this year despite concerns from many.
Wimbledon 2021 will operate at 50% capacity to start, with 100% capacity allowed by the finals of both tournaments. This was after the government eased off on restrictions involving large crowds and gatherings. Many people were elated, but others criticized the move because not all social distancing restrictions have been likewise lifted.
Wimbledon has been a hard ticket to purchase this year. The event has sold out, but on Stubhub a single fourth-round ticket runs for 885 pounds, or about $1,224.
What is the prize pool for Wimbledon 2021?
According to Essentially Sports, the total prize pool will be 35 million pounds, with 1.7 million pounds going to both winners. Both of those numbers are down compared to the 2019 totals. In 2019, the prize pool was 38 million pounds while the men’s and women’s winners both received 2.35 million pounds for their efforts.
Both the men’s and women’s winners receive equal pay and have since 2008. That leads to the next question: Who is most likely to take home the top prizes on either side?
There are a few top contenders to win Wimbledon 2021
While it’s really anyone’s field, a few contenders are on both the men’s and women’s sides. Winning Wimbledon immediately lands whoever’s done in the history books, but there’s a good mix of familiar competitors and fresh faces atop the list of contenders.
EuroSport compiled a preview of the event, including some of the top contenders. On the women’s side, Ashleigh Barty looks like a solid bet to win. The 25-year-old is currently the No. 1 player in the world. She hasn’t made it further than the fourth round in any of her previous tries. But there’s no reason this shouldn’t be the year she breaks through.
Johanna Konta is the best British player in the world, so it’d be fitting for her to win her nation’s top tournament. She’s had a tough year with injuries but has advanced deep into the tournament in the past. In 2017, she made it to the semis, while 2019 saw her reach the quarterfinals. She’s knocked on the doors over the past few years. But this won’t be her year as Konta is out of Wimbledon 2021 because she came in close contact with someone with COVID-19, reports ESPN.
On the men’s side, it should surprise no one that Roger Federer is a top contender. He hopes to take home his 21st Grand Slam win. One dark horse on the men’s side could be the Brit Andy Murray. Facing the twilight of his career after injury issues the last few years, this may be his last Grand Slam tournament event. It would be quite a Cinderella story for Murray to win on his last attempt.
